(CNN) - Voters in four states cast ballot Tuesday for the Republican presidential nomination, with Rick Santorum winning the largest contests in Alabama and Mississippi. The four Republican presidential candidates, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, former Sen. Santorum of Pennsylvania, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Rep. Ron Paul of Texas battled for 110 total delegates in Alabama, Mississippi, Hawaii and American Samoa.

Below is reporting from our producers and correspondents. Follow real time results at CNNPolitics.com. Read more here.

11:51 p.m. ET - @crowleyCNN: Mothership is full of chatter that GOP headed for brokered convention. I'm not there yet.

11:40 p.m. ET - @DWSTweets: Wasn’t for a lack of trying—Romney had a huge spending advantage over his rivals, which he used to carpet-bomb them with negative ads.- Follow the Ticker on Twitter: @PoliticalTicker

11:20 p.m. ET - @JohnAvlon: Can we all agree now that this ain't over and won't be for a long time?

11:15 p.m. ET - Santorum spokesperson Hogan Gidley, on CNN, said Gingrich has "every right to stay in the race." But if Gingrich were not in the race, Santorum would be beating Romney and "beating him badly."

11:12 p.m. ET - @LisaDCNN: GINGRICH: ."..after the primaries r over, it will b obvious the...frontrunner didn't get there.... and we'll be in a whole new conversation"

11:07 p.m. ET - Gingrich said he hopes Tuesday's results will end "any news media talk" about Romney as the inevitable candidate. When the primaries are over and Romney has not garnered enough delegates, Gingrich said it will be "clear" he is the best Republican to be Obama in the general election.

11:01 p.m. ET - @JohnKingCNN: @newtgingrich vows in til convention, attacks @MittRomney. The @RickSantorum #s on left have 2 hurt yfrog.com/mo1ulnvj
11:00 p.m. ET - Gingrich said he has already changed the dialogue of the campaign with his focus on energy, something he said Romney has failed to do. He pointed to criticism from the White House about his promise to reduce gas prices to $2.50 per gallon as evidence of the conversation shift.

10:58 p.m. ET - Gingrich, addressing supporters in Birmingham, Alabama, congratulated Santorum on a "great campaign." But he also said his campaign will receive a "substantial number of delegates going toward Tampa," following Tuesday's contests.

10:55 p.m. ET - On CNN, Gingrich Deputy Campaign Manager Vince Haley predicted a "three way dynamic" between Romney, Santorum and Gingrich "all the way to this convention." He said no candidate will be able to capture the nomination before Tampa.

10:50 p.m. ET - @EWErickson: Every time the Romney team lets expectations get away from them, they underperform.

10:41 p.m. ET - Santorum predicted a huge win in Louisiana and said "we will compete everywhere," including Puerto Rico, where he will head Tuesday night.

10:40 p.m. ET - @alexcast: i have thought O will drive big gop turnout in fall: nothing unites people of earth like threat from mars. but low turnout now is worrisome

10:36 p.m. ET - @jimacostacnn: Santorum: "I don't think there was a single poll that had me close to winning Mississippi."

10:35 p.m. ET - Santorum thanked his eldest daughter Elizabeth who is in Hawaii on behalf of the campaign.

"Thank you sweetie for the sacrifice," he said with a wink.

10:32 p.m. ET - Santorum opened his remarks to supporters in Lafayette, Louisiana saying "We did it again."

10:27 p.m. ET - Eric Fehrnstrom, a senior adviser to the Romney campaign, said Team Romney did not expect to win in Alabama or Mississippi, but wanted to capture a third of the delegates from the states, something he said they will achieve. He also continued the Romney campaign line that it is a "virtual impossibility" for Santorum to achieve the delegates necessary to capture the nomination.
10:25 p.m. ET - @EWErickson: The argument that Gingrich needs to get out b/c he is hurting Santorum no longer holds water. Newt's impact is fading.

10:14 p.m. ET - In response to Romney's earlier comment on CNN that Santorum is at the "desperate end" of his campaign, Santorum spokesperson Hogan Gidley told CNN Chief Political Analyst Gloria Borger: "It's just the beginning."
10:08 p.m. ET - @PeterHambyCNN reported Henry Barbour, a leading Romney supporter in Mississippi, was close to forecasting defeat Tuesday.

"The trends are discouraging. But there is still a lot out ... But I would say we are underperforming and Santorum outperforming my expectations at this point. Santorum is running stronger than I expected. I am struggling to see where the votes will come from," Barbour told CNN.

He cautioned that some large boxes are still out in Rankin and also griped that turnout is low. Madison, for example, typically delivers 15,000 votes in a GOP primary. There were only a few thousand there Tuesday.

9:57 p.m. ET - @alexcast: So this will now be 2 man race, santo vs mitt, when it is too late for santo to win. Great. Just what GOP needs.

She called Romney's comments to @wolfblitzercnn that Santorum is at the "desperate end" of his campaign, "not very nice."

"No southern hospitality with that statement," Stewart said, after saying voters are frustrated with the "out of touch" Romney.

8:10 p.m. ET - Gingrich Chief of Staff Patrick Millsaps told @joejohnscnn there is a "long path to Tampa, and I think you will see us there," referencing the site of the Republican convention in August.

Millsaps said Team Gingrich expects to pick up delegates in Alabama and Mississippi Tuesday. After that ... Louisiana, which holds its primary on March 24, will be "half time."

8:09 p.m. ET - @crowleyCNN: Romney camp wants state win 2nite but will pick up delegates in every state. No Romney event 2nite. I'm @ mothership in Atl. No music

8:08 p.m. ET - @jimacostacnn: Spin watch: If the exits are correct, look for Romney to say I can win in the south. Look for Santorum to say Newt, it's time to go.

8:06 p.m. ET - @HowardKurtz: Wolf: A "significant setback" for Gingrich if he loses both states tonight. That's for sure.

8:03 p.m. ET - Forty-two percent of voters in Mississippi said they consider themselves very conservative, compared with the 27% who said they are somewhat conservative and 30% who said they are moderate or liberal, according to CNN exit polling.

Thirty-eight percent of voters in Alabama considered themselves very conservative, compared with 31% who said they are somewhat conservative and 31% who said they are moderate or liberal, according to CNN exit polling.

8:01 p.m. ET - According to CNN exit polling in Alabama, Santorum received 34% of the vote, followed by Romney with 29%, Gingrich with 28% and Paul with 6%.

CNN exit polling in Mississippi showed Romney in the to spot with 35% support, followed by Gingrich's 30%, Santorum's 29% and Paul's 5%.

7:56 p.m. ET - @DanaBashCNN: something u don't see every day.Inmates will help bring in ballots here in Jeff county alabama #cnnelections pic.twitter.com/1HwxGhkk
7:55 p.m. ET - @jimacostacnn: Santorum campaign internals show they are leading in AL. They see a southern split as a good night for them. #CNNElections
7:53 p.m. ET - @LisaDCNN: ELECTION NIGHT: get your snacks and beverages. Polls about to close in MS, AL. I'm kicking off my shoes getting ready to report and tweet.
7:52 p.m. ET - @adamplevycnn: Romney's total delegate estimate is 459. Tonight could be the night he crosses 500 mark. #CNNElections
7:47 p.m. ET - @JohnKingCNN: The GOP delegate chase as we begin a big night. #cnnelections. yfrog.com/kht91ihhj

Forty-five percent of voters in Mississippi were married women, according to CNN exit polling. Of those voters, 40% backed Romney, 33% supported Santorum, 23% supported Gingrich and 2% backed Paul.
7:22 p.m. ET - @David_Gergen: If R wins one state tonite, pressure on one rival to drop. If R wins two, pressure on both rivals to call a wrap. Join us#CNNElections

7:18 p.m. ET - Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, who backed Romney after suspending his own presidential bid, told @ErinBurnett it looks like Romney could "be tied or very close to the top or even come out on top" in either Mississippi or Alabama, or both states Tuesday.

This could be the "breakthrough moment of this campaign," Pawlenty said on CNN's "OutFront."

"The resilience of Mitt Romney is starting to shine through," he added.

7:11 p.m. ET - @JohnKingCNN: Exits: more than half of voters in Miss. & Ala. say @MittRomney not conservative enough (those voters split btw Gingrich & Santorum)
6:55 p.m. ET - @AdamATCNN: Per WH Pool: At times, Mr. Obama appeared to be explaining aspects of the game to Mr. Cameron as they sat huddled next to each other.

6:21 p.m. ET - Former GOP presidential nominee and Romney supporter McCain told @JohnKingCNN it is possible Romney could win the primaries in Alabama and Mississippi Tuesday, "putting to rest the myth that he can't succeed in southern states."

"But the way, I'm sure it's because he's grown to like grits and other things," McCain said on CNN's "John King, USA" referencing Romney's comments on the trail regarding the southern food staple.

"If he wins both of them tonight, it sends the signal that he can win anywhere," McCain added.

But what about a contested Republican convention? "Not going to happen," McCain said.

6:12 p.m. ET - @EWErickson: My sister in MS says the top local news story is very low turnout.
6:07 p.m. ET - Republican Gov. Robert Bentley of Alabama, who voted for Santorum in his state's primary but did not endorse the candidate, told @JohnKingCNN Romney has the best chance of winning the Republican presidential election, "there is no doubt about that."

"But you should always vote your heart, I think," Bentley said on CNN's "John King, USA."

6:05 p.m. ET - When asked who is best equipped to defeat the president in November, 52% of Mississippi voters said Romney, 24% said Gingrich, 21% said Santorum and 2% said Paul, according to CNN exit polling. Fifty-two percent of voters in the state said Romney's positions were not conservative enough, 34% said they were about right and 9% said they were too conservative.

Forty-six percent of Alabama voters said Romney was best equipped to defeat Obama, 24% said Santorum, 23% said Gingrich and 3% said Paul, according to CNN exit polling. Of those voters, 55% said Romney's positions were not conservative enough, 27% said they were about right and 6% said they were too conservative.

6:03 p.m. ET - When voters in Mississippi were asked what is the most important candidate quality, 42% said their ability to defeat President Barack Obama, 19% said if they are a true conservative, 19% said having a strong moral character and 18% said they have the right experience, according to CNN exit polling.

When voters in Alabama were asked what is the most important candidate quality, 39% said their ability to defeat President Barack Obama, 17% said if they are a true conservative, 22% said having a strong moral character and 17% said they have the right experience, according to CNN exit polling.

5:59 p.m. ET - @JohnKingCNN: Early exits: tight races in Miss. and Ala w/ high number IDing as evangelicals & almost half saying religious beliefs matter a great deal

5:45 p.m. ET - @PeterHambyCNN: the March 25 – May 8 march won't be fun for Newt. DC, MD, WI, CT, PA, RI, NY. on May 8, WVa is best shot. but still only 31 delegates. even though NC is "southern," you gotta think that's good Romney turf.

5:41 p.m. ET - Romney, appearing on CNN's "The Situation Room," said Santorum is at the "desperate end of his campaign," citing his standing in the delegate count and popular vote. He also said and said ads from a super PAC supporting his candidacy are "misrepresenting the truth."

5:40 p.m. ET - When asked about Gingrich's recent comments that the mission in Afghanistan "may not be doable," Romney told @wolfblitzercnn there is "no certainty" in a matter of foreign policy and that prospects should be assessed over time. Referencing the recent shooting in the country, Romney said policy should not be based on the actions of one "crazed, deranged person."

5:33 p.m. ET - When asked how much the religious beliefs of the candidates mattered to Mississippi voters, 45% said a great deal, 32% said somewhat, 12% said not much and 9% said not at all, according to CNN exit polling.

When the same question was asked of Alabama voters, 44% said it mattered a great deal, 30% said it mattered somewhat, 15% said not much and 10% said not at all.

5:30 p.m. ET - Eighty-one percent of Mississippi voters were white Evangelical or born-again Christians, according to CNN exit polling, compared to 19% who were not.

Seventy-three percent of Alabama voters were white Evangelical or born-again Christians, according to CNN exit polling, compared to 27% who were not.

5:07 p.m. ET - @JohnKingCNN: How much closer will @MittRomney get to that "magic number".. Santorum voter @GovernorBentley on how Ala. will change the race tonight 6pE
4:34 p.m. ET - @streitfeldcnn: Lotta people waving to the press bus outside Kansas City as the motorcade rolls to location #iftheyonlyknew

4:30 p.m. ET - @mjaconicnn: On Sitroom, @EWErickson says that @NewtGingrich is like Bruce Willis in the 6th Sense; "He is the only guy who doesn't know he's dead."

3:50 p.m. ET - McCain captured the Mississippi primary with 79% of the vote in 2008, followed by Huckabee's 13%, Paul's 4% and Romney's 2%. Romney suspended his presidential campaign two days after Mississippi voted, on Super Tuesday.
3:10 p.m. ET - Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee won the Alabama Republican primary in 2008, a Super Tuesday contest, with 41% of the vote to Arizona Sen. John McCain's 37%, Romney's 18% and Paul's 3%.

soundoff(72 Responses)

Oh Kimi, by the way, I have an impersonator here that blogs using my name – Dominican Mama had the same problem. So if you see something here that does not sound like me – trust me, it's not me!!!

March 13, 2012 10:31 pm at 10:31 pm |

Dennis

According to the CNN poll about 40% of the people that voted said Romney has the best shot of beating Obama. Yet Romney is not getting 40% of votes. Whats the point of voting in the primary if you do not think the person that you are voting has a chance in Nov?

March 13, 2012 10:32 pm at 10:32 pm |

Mike

funny how Romney campis saying Santorum doesn't have a chance to win it, if Nwet drops out and Rick picks up 60 to 70% of his votes he beast Romnay in many races, races like michagan and Ohio would have gone to Santorum and likey he would get over 50% of the total vote thus giving him 50% or more of the delagtes, considering Romeny is 60% shot of what he needs to lock the nomination sounds like Santorum can win it so their cliam they have wrapped it up is just another Romney lie..............

March 13, 2012 10:45 pm at 10:45 pm |

Gregory Lineham

If Santorum wins the nomination and ultimately the presidency idiocy and insanity will have won out and the decline of a modern and progressive nation will begin.

March 13, 2012 10:49 pm at 10:49 pm |

Lamar

People say social conservatives should vote for the most electable. Problem here: the establishment republicans have used the Moral Majority, Christian Coalition, and just the evangelical movement in general for over 30 years. Once in office they distance themselves. So The end result is not too different from the democrats, only to just slow down the process of a national sucking chest wound of moral and monetary decay. But they don't operate. So if the social conservatives do cause the election to go to Obama, only time has been lost. Self destruction just comes sooner that's all. Lincoln has bad news all the time as well as Washington. They didn't stop to broker a deal though. I say go for broke.

March 13, 2012 10:54 pm at 10:54 pm |

Arran Webb

The good thing about Rick is that he answers only to the Pope. Nancy Pelosi won't get in the way.

March 13, 2012 11:05 pm at 11:05 pm |

T'sah from Virginia

The ginGRINCH speaks and behind him is ONE fly in the bottle of milk!! Why does he do that and how much did he pay him.... Jeez!!

Obama 2012 – The Only Trusted Way Forward!!

March 13, 2012 11:09 pm at 11:09 pm |

advocatusdiaboli

Evangelical Southerners would never elect a Mormon to the presidency any more than they would an atheist. Right or wrongly in your view, quite a few Christians still view Mormonism as a cult. Mormon tenets like the idea that ancient Apostles came here before Columbus don't help dispense of that view.

March 13, 2012 11:20 pm at 11:20 pm |

jrterrier

This is the South. 80% of the voters in MS self-identified as Evangelicals; in AL it was 75%. Will someone pls mention that. Santorum lost to Romney in WA and ID and WY. Why isn't it being taken into account by the pundits. When he starts winning NY and NJ and FL and NV, then Romney has to get worried.

March 13, 2012 11:30 pm at 11:30 pm |

cali girl

Its the 8th inning and no score for the GnOP. Wonder why. The country is so having a great time watching all the comedy here.

March 13, 2012 11:45 pm at 11:45 pm |

Shirley

John King keeps showing California going to Santorum on his Republican delegates map. No chance. This is a liberal state. Women have rights here and an opportunity to have a good job and a career which depends on their ability to control their family size. Santorum will come in last here.

March 14, 2012 12:00 am at 12:00 am |

Messy

I think Sanctorum might nail this, if Gingrich bails out...It's going to be interesting to watch. I think he might win NC as well in May.

March 14, 2012 12:14 am at 12:14 am |

Skelly

Santorum is going to get crushed in the west.

March 14, 2012 12:18 am at 12:18 am |

gutsycall@yahoo.com

Mitt Romney made a VAST personal fortune OUTSOURCING decent middle class american jobs to commiunists in China. The real job creation this hedge fund Boston banker did was in Maoist China, not here.

March 14, 2012 12:27 am at 12:27 am |

gutsycall@yahoo.com

How does Romney earn a quarter billion dollars, yet pay less of a tax rate than a school teacher, small business owner, or preacher? Insane. This country has removed american capitalism, for crony communist job creating CEO capitalism. And he is it's spokesperson. Romney, I pray to the Almighty you lose in the Fall. ANYONE but Romney, Ron Paul, Rick Santorum, Newt Gingrich, Sarah Palin, Obama, Biden – ANYONE, ANYONE, ANYONE but Romney.

March 14, 2012 12:30 am at 12:30 am |

Bystander

Do you know why Mitt Romney lost the contests in Alabama & Mississippi? It's because he is so fake.

March 14, 2012 12:32 am at 12:32 am |

John McCann

I think the time has come to get rid of delegates and the electoral college and elect our president and representatives with the popular vote since it would represent the choice of the people instead of political gangs..

March 14, 2012 01:56 am at 1:56 am |

dar speranza

I don't understand why a large percentage votes that Romney is the only candidate that can beat Obama.... I don't get why those people are not voting for the person that they think will actaually win???
They vote for Santorum, yet say Romney is the best quailified & more likely to beat Obama???

March 14, 2012 01:58 am at 1:58 am |

Nobodies Pon

To all the right winger nut jobs on this blog please tell me why another tax break for the riches americans helps the country. How can you not collect taxes from billionaires but want people who make under 50 grand to pay more taxes. How long does a tax cut need to be before the jobs comeback? Repubs stand up for your party make sense of this policy that yall want to try for the thousandnt time that hasnt work for 30 years but thats all a repub knows rich friends before country. I think thats Romneys camp slogan.

I was appalled by Paul Begala's comments last night about the people of Mississippi. I am from Georgia, but I know Republicans from Mississippi do not think think that Obama is not Muslim or is from Africa. They are also not stupid, ignorant, or prejudice as you said Paul. YOU ARE THE ONLY WHO IS STUPID, IGNORANT, AND PREJUDICE. IF I EVER HEAR YOU SAY THAT KIND OF STUFF AGAIN, I WILL NEVER WATCH CNN AGAIN!

March 14, 2012 05:56 am at 5:56 am |

progress is a must

They are painting themselves into a corner. High gas prices and Afghanistan are whats causing a spike in Obamas disapproval rating though the economy is now improving at a moderate pace. Now, there is little the president can do about the gas price. And most Americans want the troops out of Afghanistan before Obamas 2014 deadline. No candidate has a faster withdrawal plan other than Paul. And Paul has his own severe flaws, which is why he has virtually no chance. Romney will be the nominee. But I can already predict that, at the debate with Obama, he will refuse to give a withdrawal from Afghanistan timeline. He may even again suggest attacking Iran, thus starting yet another costly war which is sure to send oil prices above 200 dollars per barrel.